Attractive, purple-headed perennial thistle can grow over 6 feet tall. Good for border plantings. Provides a nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects. Artichokes are delicious steamed and then dipped in butter or mayonnaise. Young artichoke flowers, thin-sliced, are a nice addition to a salad. The plant grows from seeds or cuttings. Side shoots can be removed for propagation. Needs good soil, regular watering and feeding, frost protection. Large, globular heads with firm green bracts with violet tinges; free of prickles on stems or bulb. Plant in morning sun and mulch well. Plant will produce first year from new plant and likely produce a lesser crop in the same fall. Blooming will diminish with plant's age.